Evaluating the angiogenic and mechanical properties of hydrogels and physical constructs derived from spinal cord meninges extracellular matrix

Abstract

The vasculature is an integral unit of the tissue microenvironment due to providing nutrients and oxygen to surrounding cells. Therefore, pro-angiogenic biomaterials have the potential to improve the success of a wide range of medical therapies, including tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. Herein, we decellularized bovine spinal cord meninges with Triton X-100 and digested them with pepsin to obtain a hydrogel (MeninGEL). The cryogel form of the MeninGEL was also prepared by lyophilization process (named as MeninRIX). DNA content analysis showed that the nuclear content was significantly reduced by 98.6% after decellularization process. Furthermore, the effect of decellularization on extracellular matrix components was investigated with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and hydroxyproline (HYP) content analyses. Tensile, compression, and suture retention tests were performed to elucidate the mechanical properties. The physiological degradation behavior of the bioscaffolds was investigated by hydrolytically. Both MeninGEL and MeninRIX have good biocompatibility and pro-angiogenic properties, as proved by the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay. Moreover, SEM and histological analyses indicated cellular migration, attachment, and dynamism on the bioscaffolds’ surfaces. On the basis of these data, MeninGEL and MeninRIX are pro-angiogenic structures and have adequate mechanical properties, which makes them promising candidates for soft regenerative medicine applications.